A motoring expert has urged British motorists not to let the new bus lane fine rules wreak havoc in their lives. Drivers can easily do that by familiarising themselves with the new rules in order to avoid some hefty fines.
Earlier this month, Express.co.uk warned drivers of huge bus lane changes that will come into effect this month.
Drivers will face price hikes of 17 percent for bus lane fines at the end of May.
The fines will increase from £60 to £70 with some experts claiming that the huge increase may “push many over the edge”.
Ministers have been accused of declaring war on drivers by going forward with the increase.
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“However, they do not become cash cows unless motorists are ignoring the rules that are allowing them to become a cash cow in the first place. “
The expert added: “If a bus lane is fairly signposted then it should be considered the same as any other road sign.
“If you see the speed limit is 40 and you decide to go 50 you risk a fine, similarly if you see there is a bus lane with specific rules, such as do not use between 8am-5pm for example and you do, then you are knowingly putting yourself at risk of receiving a fine.”
Speaking to the Lord’s earlier this month, roads minister Baroness Vere explained why the charges were going up in price.
“With finances for so many on a knife-edge, losing a day’s wages for mistakenly wandering into a bus lane could push many over the edge.”
Recent data found that councils raked in £73.7million from bus lane fines between March 2020 and 2020.
Around £38.7million of this total was profit for the council.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “Robust traffic enforcement reduces congestion and deters unsafe drivers.”
Inside Greater London’s Congestion Charge Zone, the fine can be as high as £160, or reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
Driving into a bus lane will not always, immediately, result in a fine, with many featuring blue signs indicating their operating hours.
During these hours, the lanes are usually exclusively reserved for buses, but outside of these hours, drivers may be able to use the bus lane as long as it’s safe to do so.
Motorists are advised to always follow the information given on road signs.
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